Inner Tube Water Polo

Competition

Inner Tube Water Polo is a Tier 1 event. Competition begins as a round robin within each battalion.

Roster

Desired roster size is seven (7) players. There are five (5) players in the pool at one time, one of whom is identified as the goalkeeper. Three (3) players are required to avoid a forfeit. One player from each team is designated as the team captain prior to the start of play.

Rules

Start time is forfeit time: there is no grace period for teams to arrive late. Two (2) game forfeits disqualify a team from futher play.

Games are played in two 10-minute halves with a 3-minute break between halves. The clock runs continuously except for injury. Each team may take one 30-second timeout per half.

In the event of a tie at the end of regulation play, teams will play to sudden-victory: the first team to score wins.

All players must sit in a horizontal position inside the inner tube.

Substitution of players may be made when the ball is not in play, e.g., after a goal is scored. Players may not switch positions with the goalie while the ball is in play. A substitute goalie must notify opposing team.

At the start of the game and the second half, teams line up in front of their own goals. When the ball is tossed into the center of the pool, teams may move to take possession.

If a female scores a goal, the point value is two (2).

There is no offside rule. All players may go anywhere in the field of play. Only the goalie may touch or use the side of the pool.

Players dribble the ball by pushing it in the water, holding it between their knees, holding it with their hands, holding it with one hand in the air, holding it against their body, or holding it in their lap. It is illegal to hold the ball completely under the water.

After a shot-on-goal and/or score, the ball is put into play by the goalie. The goalie has five (5) seconds to release the ball. The goalie may not pass the ball beyond midfield.

Violation of any of following rules results in a change of possession. The goalie of the team taking possession puts the ball back into play.

intentionally splashing or tipping an opponent

kicking an opponent

dunking an opponent

charging, rushing or holding an opponent

other dangerous play as judged by lifeguards

The team of any player ejected finishes the game with (4) players, i.e., the team plays one man down.

National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association governs all other rules.